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Robb, who pleaded guilty to one count of theft, intends to pay back the money she stole, the court heard.

“That’s not just a pipe dream,” Mr Sullivan added.

The court ordered Robb’s finances to be assessed, and Mr Sullivan said she will dip into her pension to pay the sum back.

Addressing Robb, of Laburnum Avenue, Openshaw, Judge Richard Mansell QC said: “The school, like so many, has experienced huge pressures on their finances over the last decade.

“They can ill afford to lose this kind of money, which unless recouped by you, will be borne by the school.”

By sending Robb to prison, the judge said he wanted to send a ‘clear message to deter others’.

A spokesperson for Varna Community Primary School said: "Police were alerted as soon as financial irregularities were discovered. The former staff member did not return to school and was later dismissed from her post.

"Policies and procedures in school have been changed to ensure this cannot happen again."